A man and a woman have been arrested in Lanzarote after police linked them to 17 thefts and burglaries in the popular resort area of Playa Blanca, with investigators now also tying the pair to dozens of other crimes on the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.
The Guardia Civil confirmed the arrests today, Thursday, saying the pair had been targeting hotel complexes, breaking into rooms while guests were out and stealing valuables including mobile phones, cash, designer clothes and luxury cosmetics.
Police say the arrests follow a sharp spike in reported thefts in Playa Blanca last month. After reviewing CCTV footage and stepping up patrols, officers identified the suspects, described as one of the “most active” criminal couples operating in the Canary Islands.
The female suspect was tracked down near the scene of a recent theft thanks to a drone deployed by the local UdronYaiza police unit. The man had initially fled, but was later caught by an off-duty officer from Yaiza who recognised him and called in support to make the arrest.
Officers also uncovered evidence that the pair had used stolen bank cards to make purchases in both Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen, further implicating them in a series of high-value thefts. Most of the stolen items have now been recovered, according to police.
After analysing security footage and bank records, police confirmed the suspects had previously been linked to more than 20 other break-ins on Fuerteventura. The pair are now facing a fresh round of charges from authorities on both islands.
The case has been handed over to the duty court in Arrecife, as investigations continue.
